DVD Corner

Saw X 4K UHD Review

“Saw X” shows there is plenty of life left in the long-running horror franchise.

Directed by Kevin Greutert, “Saw X” is the 10th installment in the Saw franchise, but this one is actually set between the first and second films. In this time period, John Kramer is dying of brain cancer and has been attending cancer support meetings. He learns about an experimental treatment by Dr. Pederson from a fellow attendee who was cured by it. After contacting the Dr.’s daughter Cecilia, he decides to venture to Mexico City to undergo the treatment/surgery. Kramer’s hopes are dashed, however, when he discovers the entire operation was nothing more than a money making scam. Kramer (AKA Jigsaw) recruits the help of his assistant Amanda to set up a new game for those responsible for this revolting con. 

It’s hard to believe the 10th entry in the Saw franchise is the best reviewed title in the entire series, but here we are. In fact, “Saw X” is surprising in many ways. Writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg manage to revitalize the franchise by satisfying longtime fans and also appealing to casual moviegoers with a character centric piece about who John Kramer is and why he does what he does. Yes, Jigsaw appears here with his gory traps as is to be expected, but there’s more going on in this twisty sequel as it thematically explores mortality, morality, revenge, and the medical industry.

What really struck me about this sequel is the creativity of the writers. “Saw 3” is one of the best in the series as it was a bold sequel, but they also wrote themselves into a corner by killing off John Kramer. Ever since then the writers have had to work around that. Sometimes it doesn’t always work, but in the case of “Saw X” they went back to the roots of the series by focusing on John Kramer. For many franchises, after the fifth or sixth film the series starts to lose its luster, but Saw is still telling compelling and fresh stories. Again, that’s a credit to the writers. 

Speaking of Kramer, Tobin Bell gives one of his best (if not his best) performances here. The actor really sinks his teeth into this material by showing the many dimensions of the vigilante Kramer who has a method to his madness. It was equally nice to see Shawnee Smith back as Amanda (another character who has been missed from the franchise).

“Saw X” is easily one of the best horror movies of the year. Hopefully an eleventh Saw is not far off.

Note: Don’t forget to watch the end credit scene.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. Grade: A

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. Grade: A

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by director-editor Kevin Greutert, cinematographer Nick Matthews, and production designer Anthony Stabley.
* 13 deleted scenes
* “Reawakening”- A 2 part extra that covers reinventing the franchise and the characters and cast. Interviews, film clips, discussions about the script, and more are included.
* “Drawing Inspiration: Illustrated Scene Breakdowns With Director/Editor Kevin Greutert”- Greutert breaks down 3 scenes
* “Make-Up Department Trap Tests”- A collection of rehearsals essentially.

November 19, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | horror, Horror Movie, Jigsaw, John Kramer, Saw 10, Saw Series, Saw X, Saw X 4K UHD Review, Tobin Bell